Existential Fatigue—Finding Meaning Amidst the Carnage
I have trouble reading the news these days. I know I have to, and I do, but the overwhelming sense of rage, disappointment, disbelief, and despair takes its toll, and I am mentally and emotionally exhausted. The meaning and fulfillment I get from activities that nourish my soul have diminished during these extraordinary times, which increases my sadness and anger. I soldier on, knowing that these activities do help, and I lean on my belief that the direction of the country will swing again toward compassion and wisdom. But in the meantime, my existential fatigue is something I have to address. Like a medical condition, it’s something I have to take seriously and take steps to mitigate its effects.
Keeping perspective
Maintaining perspective can be challenging when the foundations of our society are slipping away. But during times like these, it’s more important than ever to remember what else in your life is important. Just because others have lost their moral compass doesn’t mean the values that you live by should be impacted. It’s vital to prioritize love and maintain the loving relationships you have with family and friends. It’s essential to preserve the fulfillment you get through your work, your creative endeavors, and your experiences. It’s crucial to sustain your compassion and redouble your efforts driven by it. Keeping a hard line between your perception of the evil in the world and its impact, and the life you lead and the meaning you get from it, is key.
Allowing happiness
The current regime is hurting people; for some, it’s ruining their lives. It isn’t easy to live your everyday life when others’ lives are being torn apart. When the values of society have fundamentally moved away from your values, the lack of alignment can cause stress, and emotional and psychological depletion. You go through the motions of working and taking care of the details of your life, but you may not feel any meaning or joy. While you’re doing everything you can do to resist the regime and help those who have been hurt, it’s also essential to engage in activities that bring you joy and meaning. And don’t just go through the motions; throw your whole self into these activities. Maintaining a balance in your life is the counterforce that will keep you sane and productive.
Self care
Self-care is key during challenging times, and especially during a crisis. For many, it’s all too easy to neglect what they need physically and emotionally, and turn to mindless activities (social media scrolling) and paths that will numb their senses (alcohol or drugs). While it’s vital to be intentional about how much you expose yourself to what is happening and engage in activities that resist the path that society is taking, it’s just as important to make the time to take care of yourself. Self-care involves the basics like sufficient sleep, nutrition, and exercise, but, in this context, it also involves emotional support (talking to friends or mental health professionals) and reflection and self-exploration (meditation). Knowing yourself and reinforcing your values are the foundations that will give you the confidence to get through these challenges.
Finding meaning
Life can seem meaningless during periods of upheaval, but the elements of your life that give it meaning are still there and are more pertinent than ever. It’s easy to let evil actions and consequences take over your whole being. While you can’t and shouldn’t ignore current events, it’s important to limit them intentionally in terms of how much they take over your thoughts and feelings. Reserve a significant amount of space for the meaningful aspects of your life. Reflect on them daily, and engage with them with enthusiasm and joy. Keeping meaning in your life can give you the reason to keep going and get through the most challenging times.
When you experience existential fatigue, it can feel like your whole world has been pulled out from under you. It’s vital to remind yourself that you still care about what you always have, and to keep those things in your thoughts, feelings, and daily existence.
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